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The role of vaccination, infection control measures and early treatment in curbing the impact of flu

Influenza remains a major cause of preventable illness each winter and continues to place significant pressure on NHS general practices, urgent care services, and hospitals. This has been particularly evident this winter, with flu rates much higher than we would normally expect for this time of year. 

As of mid-December 2025, UKHSA surveillance shows influenza positivity in primary-care sentinel samples running well above most pre-COVID seasons, and hospital and ICU admissions for confirmed influenza are rising sharply — especially among adults aged 65 and over and those with long-term medical conditions. In general practice, we see first-hand how flu can lead to severe complications, particularly in older adults, people with underlying conditions, and those who are immunocompromised.

Vaccination remains the single most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death from flu. Interim data for the 2025–26 season suggest that vaccination is already reducing the risk of GP consultations and hospital admissions in older adults. In primary care, we also see the wider benefit of vaccination in helping to protect the NHS by reducing demand on GP appointments, out-of-hours services, and emergency care during the winter months.

General practices — working closely with community pharmacies — play a crucial role in delivering the flu vaccination programme, identifying eligible patients, reaching underserved groups, and offering trusted, personalised advice. Many patients value the opportunity to discuss vaccination with their GP or practice nurse, and these trusted relationships are central to addressing concerns, tackling vaccine hesitancy, and improving uptake. It is absolutely still worth vaccinating eligible patients now; protection begins within 10–14 days.

Alongside vaccination, simple practical measures remain important: good hand hygiene, staying at home when unwell, and seeking timely advice if symptoms worsen. For higher-risk patients who develop suspected influenza, antiviral treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir is recommended if started within 48 hours of symptom onset — or later in severe illness or immunocompromised patients. Those eligible for antiviral treatment include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and individuals with long-term conditions or immunosuppression.

Flu should not be underestimated. For some patients it can be life-threatening, but many cases are preventable through vaccination, early treatment in high-risk groups, and sensible infection-prevention measures.

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